Tottori sand dunes tour tips ,history,experiential activities

Japan's Tottori Dune is a hidden gem that is unknown to the public, providing visitors with a special experience with its unique natural scenery and various activities. In this blog post, we will introduce the history of Tottori Dune, major tourist attractions, and food in detail.

History

Located in Tottori Prefecture on Japan's Honshu Island, the Tottori Dune is Japan's largest sand dune, covering about 16 km from east to west and about 2 km from north to south. Formed about 100,000 years ago, the dune was built by a pile of sand carried from the Kumano River and the sea over a long period of time. The Tottori Dune is a unique feature created by the power of nature and the passage of time, and it is now designated and protected as a natural monument in Japan.

a major tourist attraction

Tottori Sand Dunes
Description: The dune is the representative tourist attraction in Tottori Prefecture, and it is the only place in Japan where you can see desert-like scenery. You can feel the grandeur of nature as you walk through endless sand dunes.
Recommended Activities: Dune walking, sledding, paragliding, and horseback riding can be enjoyed. Especially during sunrise and sunset, you can enjoy beautiful scenery.
Sand Museum
Description: As the world's first sand sculpture museum, you can enjoy a variety of themed sand sculpture exhibitions. Every year, the exhibition changes to a new theme, and the elaborate sand sculptures are impressive.
Recommended Activities: Take a tour of the museum, appreciate various sand sculptures, and participate in an experience program to learn how to create them.
The Sand Dune Center
Description: A visitor center that provides information on Tottori dunes, there is an exhibition where you can learn about the dunes' formation process, ecosystems, history, and more.
Recommended Activities: Explore the visitor center to gain knowledge of dunes and understand the various efforts to preserve the natural surroundings.
Tottori Sand Dunes Glass Studio
Description: An experience space where you can create artworks using sand and glass. You can have a special experience creating your own glasswork.
Recommended Activities: Create a wide range of glass products through glass craft experiences and purchase unique souvenirs sold at the workshop.

Food

Tottori Dune and its surrounding areas are famous for various seafood and local specialties. Taste the delicious food of Tottori Prefecture and add to the joy of your trip.
Matsuba Crab
Description: It is the representative seafood of Tottori Prefecture in winter, with excellent fresh crab meat and sweet taste. It is usually enjoyed as steamed or shabu-shabu.
Recommended Place: You can taste fresh Matsubage at a seafood restaurant in downtown Tottori.
Tottori Wagyu Beef
Description: Wagyu beef from Tottori prefecture, which features luxurious marbling and a soft texture. It can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes, including steak, sukiyaki, yakiniku, and more.
Recommended Place: You can taste Tottori Wagyu at an upscale restaurant in downtown Tottori.

Kani Miso Chawanmushi
Description: A Japanese steamed dish using crab meat and eggs, featuring a soft and savory taste.
Recommended Place: You can taste it at a traditional Japanese restaurant in Tottori Prefecture.
Nasi Goren (Nashi Goreng)
Description: This is a fried rice dish using a tottori prefecture specialty, nasi. The sweet taste of the nasi blends well with the rice to create a unique taste.
Recommended Place: You can find Nasigoren at various restaurants in Tottori Prefecture.

hands-on activities

In Tottori Dune, you can have a special experience through various hands-on activities.
a dune walk
Description: You can enjoy the beauty of nature while walking freely through the sprawling dunes.
Recommended Activities: Take pictures while walking dunes at sunrise or sunset.
a sled ride
Description: Sledding down the sand dunes is one of the popular activities in Tottori Dune.
Recommended Activity: Enjoy the thrill of sledding down the sand dunes.
Paragliding
Description: You can fly in the sky paragliding on a dune. It's a special experience with a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery.
Recommended Activities: Experience paragliding safely with expert guidance.
a horseback riding experience
Description: The horseback riding experience of exploring the area around the dune offers a different pleasure.
Recommended Activities: Learn how to ride a horse, and explore the area around the dune with horseback riding.

Visiting Tips

Seasonal Recommendation: Tottori Dune is great to visit all four seasons, but it is recommended in spring and autumn because of its mild weather and beautiful scenery.
Dressing: It's a sandy area, so comfortable sneakers and light clothing are good. In the summer, prepare a hat and sunscreen to block the sun.
Camera Preparation: Make sure to bring a camera to capture beautiful scenery. You can take great photos, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Tottori Dune is a special travel destination where you can enjoy unique natural scenery in Japan. Create unforgettable experiences through various activities such as walking the dune, sledding, and paragliding. Delicious local food and cultural experiences will also add to the joy of traveling. Make special memories at Tottori Dune!